Former Senate President Bukola Saraki Withdraws From 2027 Presidential Race To Support Southern Ticket

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki rules out a 2027 presidential bid, supporting a southern ticket for PDP to ensure regional fairness.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 4:08 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Decisive Step Toward Regional Political Fairness

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has formally ended speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Appearing on Channels Television, Saraki confirmed that while he previously held ambitions for the nation's highest office, the political climate following the 2023 polls necessitated a strategic withdrawal. According to Saraki, it is only equitable to allow the southern region of Nigeria to complete a full eight year tenure in the presidency. This move is presented as a commitment to the informal power rotation agreement that has historically guided Nigerian democratic stability.

Alignment With Party Zoning Resolutions

The Peoples Democratic Party has reportedly reached an internal consensus to reserve its 2027 presidential ticket for a candidate from the South, a policy Saraki now championing. He noted that he was among the key stakeholders who pushed for this zoning arrangement during post election reviews. By ruling himself out, Saraki aims to foster a sense of unity and predictability within the opposition. According to the former Senate President, adhering to these zoning rules is essential for the party to present a cohesive front against the ruling administration in the next general election cycle.

Defending Historical Power Rotation Mathematics

Addressing past criticisms regarding his support for northern candidates, Saraki pointed to the specific rules that governed the 2023 election cycle. He argued that the party’s decision at that time allowed for an open contest, but the context for 2027 has fundamentally shifted. Saraki highlighted that when analyzing the historical duration of northern versus southern leadership since the return to democracy, the North has technically spent fewer years in power. However, he maintained that the current priority must be the immediate rotation to the South to satisfy the public’s expectation of regional balance.